Packing for a holiday can be fun and nerve-wracking all at once. Generally airlines have specific flight restrictions on weight and size which could be extremely stressful for travellers.
Certain items have always been off-limits to use during air travel, but what about storing it in your suitcase? According to recent findings, vapes and powerbanks are among the biggest fire risk on planes.
As a result, many holidaymakers remain uncertain about the correct procedures for flying with these devices. Now to provide clarity, Markus Lindblad, Head of Legal & External Affairs for Northerner, explained the essential guidelines for storing your vape.
He said despite safety warnings, many travellers are still mistakenly placing vape devices in their hold luggage, but airlines require these to be switched off and kept only in checked suitcases.
This is due to the significant fire risk associated with lithium batteries. Previously, airlines have had to divert their route due to a lithium battery catching fire, so it's important to triple-check your bags.
If you're caught vaping, this can trigger smoke alarms which will alert the cabin crew. Depending on the airline and circumstances, refusing to cooperate with staff or ignoring safety instructions could result in fines.
This will also lead to police involvement when the plane lands, or even being banned from flying with that airline in the future. But if you catch another passenger vaping during the flight, it's advised to discreetly inform a member of the cabin crew.
Trying to go through an entire flight without nicotine can be difficult for some, but Markus advises smokers to take patches on the plane to use until reaching the destination.
They can be packed in both carry-on and checked luggage, are discreet to use and do not produce vapour, making them suitable for use while flying.
As with any product, passengers should always check the rules of their airline and destination country before they fly, as regulations can vary.
France, for example, has banned nicotine pouches. Taking a few moments to understand the airline's rules and pack correctly can help avoid delays, confiscated items or penalties, ensuring your journey gets off to a smooth start.
As per the UK Civil Aviation Authority, all vapes and e-cigarettes must travel in hand luggage and never in checked baggage.
This is mandatory to prevent lithium battery fires. Additionally, all e-liquids must comply with the standard 100ml liquid rule in a clear resealable bag.
You should also empty your refillable tanks before flying, as cabin pressure changes frequently force e-liquid to leak out through the airflow holes.
Meanwhile, for more detailed policies on exact battery quantities, check your specific flight operator's guidelines via British Airways, easyJet, or Ryanair.
Also selling single-use disposable vapes is entirely illegal in the UK. While you can still fly with ones you already own, you cannot buy them at UK airports.
